Recently the Mormon Chanel has been posting Yoga on their social networks. For some odd reason I was surprised that Mormons are into this type of spiritualism. Yet according to a Pew Research Study 27% of Mormons believe in this spiritual practice.
Unfortunately yoga has not only become prevalent in Mormonism, but in Christianity as well. Why anyone who professes to know Jesus Christ would think it’s a good idea of empty your mind, and repeat mantras as you contort your body in these different poses and postures is beyond me.
As I looked for some insight as to why Mormons would do this to themselves I came across a website that is quite telling to say the least. On The Mormon Women Project blog Joanne Dehlin writes about her experience with Bikram Yoga, and what led her to become and instructor.
Below are just a few of her comments I thought were noteworthy, along with my emphasis.
“We are creatures of habit, and we like to improve upon what we are doing. Eventually you can turn off your brain and just let the teacher’s words move your body. “
Turning off your brain? Yeah, just turn off your brain and allow someone else’s words to guide you. What could be wrong with that?
“My best ideas and inspiration happen while I’m practicing yoga.”
Well, if you’re emptying your brain and opening yourself up to other influences where are those thoughts coming from?
“Our spirits are connected.” (While they do these poses)
Uh…..I don’t know how to respond to that one.
As I read over her article I found myself having to get up and walk away, and then come back and pick up reading where I left off. And the truly depressing part of what she said is that it’s not uncommon. Many of those who profess to be followers of Christ say the same things about their choice to practice yoga.
Where did God ever tell us to empty our minds? How do you even do that? How do you think of nothing?
He’s told us in Romans 12:2 –
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Also in 2 Corinthians 12:5 we learn we’re to:
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
The roots of yoga are from Hinduism, and not of God. People say that they can only take the good things about yoga (like the exercising and stretching) and leave the rest alone, but how can you?
As Michelle said in her article Witchcraft, Satanism and Christianity Compared
“You can’t take yoga out of Hinduism and you can’t take the Hinduism out of yoga.
For instance, did you know that “yoga” is literally a Sanskrit word that means to yoke with the highest universal spirit or Brahman (the highest god of Hinduism)?”
People refer to yoga as a type of exercise, but it was never designed for that purpose. It was and is a way of worshiping one of the many gods in Hinduism. For instance when you do the Sun pose (sun salutation) you might think you’re doing some harmless stretches for your back, but what you’re really doing is offering worship to the sun god.
Many yoga poses were named after animals. According to yoga participants can learn something from these animals but emulating their movements. On their introduction to the animal poses of yoga the Gaiam Life website proudly states that:
“Every animal has a sacred gift for humans to learn. Animal poses can help us to connect with powerful aspects of the soul that we often repress in our busy lives. Before coming into an animal pose, it can be helpful to imagine what it feels like to be that animal. Try to envision where the animal lives, how its body moves, how it eats and how it plays.”
Does that sound like anything a follower of Jesus Christ should be involved in?
What “gifts” could an animal possibly give us?
Scripture tells us we’re told to seek after the gifts of God.
James 1:7 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Romans 6:23 or the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
1 Corinthians 12 also many lists spiritual gifts God has given us.
My hope and prayer is that anyone who’s involved in this practice will truly consider what they’re doing. You’re opening up yourself to influences that are of God.
In Christ,
Melissa Grimes (melissa@lifeafter.org)
References-
I agree! The YMCA-YWCA has had classes for many years. The don’t know the meanings of yoga but use it as exercise. I won’t go there for this reason. ________________________________
Yep, that’s how they see it, as exercise. It’s up to us to be informed on things like this, and inform our friends and family about it. Unfortunately some people know the origins of yoga and still practice it. – Melissa Grimes